Authorities Investigating Hibbing Fire As Arson

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Authorities in Hibbing are investigating after a garage apartment fire on Wednesday that caused thousands of dollars in damage has been ruled arson.

The Hibbing Fire Department was called at about 4:46 p.m. to a report of a garage apartment fire at 614 E. 25th St. When firefighters arrived, smoke and flames were showing from windows on the first floor of the building. Crews were able to knock down the fire quickly and contain it to the first floor of the structure.

Witnesses at the scene told authorities there was suspicious activity that leads them to believe the fire was intentionally set.

Authorities say the building sustained significant fire, smoke and water damage of more than $50,000. Nobody was inside the building at the time of the fire and there were no injuries reported at the scene.